Introduction: A Twist on the Classic: Ground Beef and Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but looking for a lighter, more budget-friendly option? This recipe takes the iconic flavors of the classic sandwich and puts a delicious spin on it. Instead of traditional sliced steak, we’re using a flavorful ground beef and tender chicken combination. This Ground Beef and Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe is easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Making the Ground Beef and Chicken Philly Cheesesteak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 4-6 hoagie rolls
- 4-6 slices of provolone cheese (or cheese whiz for a more authentic experience)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: mushrooms, hot peppers, ketchup, mayonnaise
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat: In a large bowl, gently toss the thinly sliced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sautรฉ the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Melt: Add the cooked onions, peppers, and chicken back to the skillet with the ground beef. Mix well to combine.
- Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Divide the mixture evenly among the hoagie rolls. Top each with a slice (or more!) of provolone cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the assembled cheesesteaks under a broiler for a minute or two, or cover the skillet and let the cheese melt from the residual heat. Watch closely to prevent burning! Alternatively, you can add a dollop of cheese whiz to each sandwich.
- Serve Immediately: Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for the Best Cheesesteak:
- Cheese Choice: While provolone is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, American cheese, or even a sharp cheddar.
- Meat Ratio: Adjust the ratio of ground beef to chicken based on your preferences. You can even use all ground beef or all chicken.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat. Or add some hot peppers as a topping.
- Bread Matters: Use good quality hoagie rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Make it a Pizza Steak: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a delicious pizza steak variation.
- Quick and Easy: Use pre-sliced onions and peppers to save time on prep work.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Philly Cheesesteak!
This Ground Beef and Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak with a lighter twist. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a delicious homemade Philly Cheesesteak tonight!